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NTSB Report
December 10, 1987 · Piper PA-18-135 · N8767C
Daytona Beach, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 10, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Daytona Beach, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-135
Tail Number
N8767C
Operator
Sartoretti Frank
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA88LA059
ALTHOUGH THE PLT STATED THAT HE PERFORMED A PREFLT & ENG RUNUP PRIOR TO DEPARTURE WITH NO PROBLEM NOTED, SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, WHILE CLIMBING THROUGH 350 FT, THE ENGINE RPM DROPPED TO & STAYED BETWEEN 1500 & 1600. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RETURN TO THE ARPT. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES, THEN THE GROUND. THE PAX STATED THAT THE ENG RPM WAS FLUCTUATING DURING THE GROUND CHECK. ACCORDING TO WITNESSES THE ENG DID NOT APPEAR TO BE DEVELOPING FULL POWER AT DEPARTURE. POSTCRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE CARBURETOR DISCHARGE NOZZLE WAS PLUGGED BY CONTAMINANTS. THE CARBURETOR HEAT & MIXTURE CONTROL CABLES WERE DISCONNECTED. ENG RUN REVEALED THAT THE LEFT MAGNETO WAS IMPROPERLY TIMED AND ALL LEADS OF THE RT MAGNETO WERE SHORTED. LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS DONE ON 9/24/86.
Full Narrative
ALTHOUGH THE PLT STATED THAT HE PERFORMED A PREFLT & ENG RUNUP PRIOR TO DEPARTURE WITH NO PROBLEM NOTED, SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, WHILE CLIMBING THROUGH 350 FT, THE ENGINE RPM DROPPED TO & STAYED BETWEEN 1500 & 1600. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RETURN TO THE ARPT. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES, THEN THE GROUND. THE PAX STATED THAT THE ENG RPM WAS FLUCTUATING DURING THE GROUND CHECK. ACCORDING TO WITNESSES THE ENG DID NOT APPEAR TO BE DEVELOPING FULL POWER AT DEPARTURE. POSTCRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE CARBURETOR DISCHARGE NOZZLE WAS PLUGGED BY CONTAMINANTS. THE CARBURETOR HEAT & MIXTURE CONTROL CABLES WERE DISCONNECTED. ENG RUN REVEALED THAT THE LEFT MAGNETO WAS IMPROPERLY TIMED AND ALL LEADS OF THE RT MAGNETO WERE SHORTED. LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS DONE ON 9/24/86.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 EST
Nearest AirportSpruce Creek (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18-135
Tail NumberN8767C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSartoretti Frank
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D2 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 4 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 30000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time14:47
Weather SourceWFAC